Why is the ANA result positive

: Antinuclear antibody testing is a useful way to confirm the diagnosis of lupus when the clinical suspicion is high, or to exclude it in cases when SLE is in the differential diagnosis but the likelihood of it is low to moderate. Because the test is very sensitive and yet not specific for lupus, an inappropriately ordered ANA test with a positive result can cause diagnostic confusion and unnecessary anxiety for the patient and the physician.